Ecotourism was developed in the 1970s with the development of a growing interest in the environment and travel-oriented outdoor activities. It began flourishing at a time when consumers began to feel dissatisfaction with mass tourism. According to the International Ecotourism Society, 1991, ecotourism can be defined as "a form of responsible travel to natural areas that contribute to environmental protection and well-being of local people".
Despiteits success on the international stage, it is a concept that is relatively short-term to the employees in France.However, a multitude of initiatives are emerging in this sense, such as the creation of a dedicated magazine on Ecotourism (Ecotourism Magazine) or the creation of associations (Association for Tourism Fair and Solidarity (ATES) Acting for Responsible Tourism).
Thus, it would be interesting to see the overall trend of ecotourism market in France, to study the supply, demand and the macro-environment to determine threats and opportunities in this sector.
Market Definition:
Ecotourism is the main market that must bring together features to differentiate it from the surrounding market. In order to be qualified as ecotourism, a market should possess the following features:
•Its main purpose is to discover the nature and traditional cultures of the new areas.
•It has a share of education and interpretation
•It is most often organized by local small businesses
•It does not, or has very little negative impact on nature and the sociocultural environment.
•It participates in the protection of nature in promoting economic associations or agencies watching over these natural areas, promoting the economic development of local communities (jobs, consumption), and participates in the prevention of conservation, towards the local population and the tourists.
Ecotourism has emerged in recent years, thanks to the awareness of people and the environment. Indeed, information on the state of the planet and the ways to protect it has opened up a new niche market for tourism.
Supply structure: The tourism market is a booming market. Many travel agencies and tour operators now offer trips of this type. Though the competition is fierce, some agencies specialize in ecotourism. Some partners are involved in protected areas such as wildlife clubs while others encourage tourists to provide funds to humanitarian organizations (eg international disability) and they even pay a portion of their income to help a region or part of a project. Tourism and development solidarity pays its benefits to the regions where local people reside.
This niche market is increasing by the day and is also becoming a competitive market.Evolution of the size of the sector: This market is growing strongly in France. Firstly, the French love to travel and go on holidays., Also, France is one of the most visited countries in the world. In France, fashion exists in the environment. Prevention for the protection of nature and the market for organic products have emerged in recent years.
The growth of ecotourism flows from this. In 1994 a study was conducted among 100 European tour operators for the destination "Guyana Shield", a product that was typically meant for eco-tourism.But only 25 of them were interested. Ecotourism seemed too exotic then and was not really suited to the European market.
Today, most tour operators offer generalist trips that focus on ecotourism. In addition, specialized operators have begun to multiply.
Tags: Ecotourism, France, European tour operators, tourism market, travel agencies, humanitarian organizations, traditional cultures, International Ecotourism Society
[...] It is true that activities are often more expensive in ecotourism since the accompaniment of a guide is often required. The tourist often needs to be accompanied by a local guide who knows the local language and the terrain. On the other hand, these trips are the most often limited. The groups are small, and all the activities are more expensive to every tourist. In addition, transportation is often more expensive in ecotourism since the regions visited are often less accessible and less tourist-friendly. [...]
[...] This solution is chosen by tourists wanting to discover the culture of a region. One can also choose accommodation in farms, in the form of guest room, which, in turn, helps the tourist to integrate fully in the life of the operation. Price evolution Prices for holidays of eco tourism are not higher than a "normal" one for several reasons. Firstly, the type of accommodation offered by tour operators offering trips and those offering traditional ecotourism is not the same. [...]
[...] It participates in the protection of nature in promoting economic associations or agencies watching over these natural areas, promoting the economic development of local communities (jobs, consumption), and participates in the prevention of conservation, towards the local population and the tourists. Ecotourism has emerged in recent years, thanks to the awareness of people and the environment. Indeed, information on the state of the planet and the ways to protect it has opened up a new niche market for tourism. Supply structure The tourism market is a booming market. [...]
[...] This is done so through word of mouth ").However, ecotourism has the distinction of having an activist on one side, therefore, a person will be influenced by their prescriber if he is already resulting in more curiosity regarding the protection of natural heritage, if he appreciates traditional values. At the same time with the current phenomenon of recognition of the need to preserve the environment, people have realized the importance of individual actions and thus seek to follow the trend of environmental protection while leaving aside "selfish" attitudes of the past.Therefore, it is not always counselors who bring tourists to choose a living eco-tourism, they may be looking out of their own will. [...]
[...] If you want to be careful to distinguish, ecotourism is practiced in areas of natural interest, while solidarity tourism focuses mainly on human societies. II French legislation on ecotourism French legislation The business travel agent is a recognized profession in tourism since the beginning of the century. The current ministry is the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Housing, which has a Secretary of State for Tourism. The practice of organizing activity or sale of package tours or visits is defined and governed by the statute says "Act 92, Act No. [...]
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